On Wednesday, Microsoft announced that its Xbox 360 video-game and entertainment system has sold more than 10 million units in the U.S., making it the first current-generation gaming console to break that mark. The U.S. installed base contributes to global sales of more than 19 million.

“This year will be the largest in the history of the video-game industry, with Xbox 360 leading the charge in the U.S. and abroad,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the interactive entertainment business at Microsoft. “History has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle. We are uniquely positioned to set a new benchmark for the industry.”

Xbox Live’s Impact

Microsoft’s announcement comes on the heels of one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, Grand Theft Auto IV, on April 29. Microsoft said gamers eager to experience GTA IV online helped boost Xbox Live global members to more

than 12 million that month. Xbox Live members have doubled in only one year’s date.

“Reaching an installed base of 10 million consoles in the U.S. is a significant achievement and an fundamental milestone on the road to market leadership,” said Billy Pidgeon, research manager at IDC. “Perhaps more crucial is the Xbox 360 worldwide online base — 12 million Xbox Live gamers is the largest community in the connected console-games sector, which represents the greatest growth opportunity in the console market and where Microsoft has been the leader for two generations.”

Beyond hitting the 10 million mark first, the Xbox 360 additionally leads with the industry’s highest software rate, more than any other console that generation. Xbox 360 is home to more than 16 platinum titles that have sold one million units or more, including hits such as Halo 3, Madden NFL 07, Madden NFL 08, and Gears…

Orginal post by Top Tech News